In these days of Advent/ Christmas, I delight in those persons, who were central to the first Advent and Christmas. For instance Joseph: he was upright, and as daylight revealed Mary’s figure, he sought to protect her even as he sought a just solution – and then an angel of the Lord intervened. Remarkably, he thereafter obeyed, embarking upon a course that profoundly altered his life and the lives of millions. In his “yes,” he no doubt knew privilege, pleasure, and pain.[1]
Likewise, Mary obeyed. When once her question, as to how she, a virgin, might bear the Holy One, she responded with those richly nuanced words: “May it be unto me according to your word.” She then went “with haste,” in order to visit her kinswoman, Elizabeth. Upon Elizabeth’s Spirit-filled confirmation, and after a protracted visit with her, Mary returned to Nazareth, where she had to confront the faithful Joseph. And yes, she too knew privilege and pleasure, but oh! the pain she would know.[2]
Zechariah, in contrast to Joseph and Mary, even though he was blameless before the law, did not share their obedient faith. Like so many before him and since, he wanted a sign. His was not Mary’s question: How can this be? Rather, he asked: How will I know – how will I know that my prayers have been heard? Ironically, he did receive a sign: until Elizabeth gave birth, he remained dumb. Not until the circumcision of his son, John, did he once again speak, and now the language of praise.[3]
I delight in these persons and the accounts preserved for our benefit; and yet we lack many details. For instance: How old was Mary? How did her family respond? When did Joseph learn of her pregnancy? Once in Bethlehem, where did they stay: in an inn, an upper room, or a barn? Although the answers to these questions might provide helpful details (and I'm not promoting ignorance), I am nonetheless thankful for their absence; for I am reminded of that admonition of 1Timothy:
We are not to devote ourselves “to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith. The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.”[4]
Should not our celebration of Advent/ Christmas lead us to “love,” “a good conscience and a sincere faith,” exhibited, I believe, in Joseph, Mary, Elizabeth, and Zechariah.
Faithfully,
Stan
[1] Cf. Matthew 1:18-25.
[2] Cf. Luke 1:26-45.
[3] Cf. Luke 1:18-20; 59-66.
[4] Cf. 1Timothy 1:4-5.